In the world of beauty and retail, Sephora is an institution that sets standards with its innovative concept and unique corporate culture. With over 50,000 employees worldwide representing 187 different nationalities, 87% of whom identify as women and 80% recommend the company as a great place to work, Sephora is at the forefront of the industry. But what makes working at Sephora so special?
Historical background
Sephora was founded in 1979 by Dominique Mandonnaud, who sparked a revolution in the beauty industry by opening the first self-service beauty store in Limoges, France. By joining the LVMH family in 1997 and expanding into Germany in 2017 with the first corner store in Munich, Sephora has firmly established its presence globally. Today, Sephora is one of the leading retailers in the beauty industry with 22 points of sale in Germany and an impressive history of innovation and commitment to sustainability and diversity.
Connection to the queer community
Sephora particularly stands out for its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. With initiatives that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion, as well as partnerships with organizations like The Trevor Project, Sephora creates a space where all employees and customers feel welcome and represented. This attitude is reflected not only in the company culture, but also in the products and campaigns through which Sephora recognizes and draws attention to a wide range of beauty ideals and identities.
The corporate culture and employee benefits
Sephora sees itself not just as a retail company, but as a community that puts diversity, equality and inclusion at the heart of everything it does. The work environment is characterized by a culture that allows everyone to bring their authentic selves and celebrate daily. The company also understands that different identities come with different needs and therefore offers a comprehensive range of employee benefits, from flexible working models to health and well-being programs to individual development and training opportunities. “We believe in beauty that is free from prejudice and applies to all skin types, colors, ages and genders.” – DOMINIQUE MANDONNAUD – SEPHORA FOUNDER Sephora’s exemplary focus on a healthy and supportive work environment has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Organization as “One of the best places to work for LGBTQ Equality” and “America’s best employer for: Women, Diversity, New Grads.”
Departments and career opportunities
From merchandising to supply chain to digital and retail, Sephora offers a variety of career paths. Each department plays a critical role in creating unique customer experiences and driving business success. Employees are encouraged to actively shape their careers, be it through retail training, leadership programs or the opportunity for internal mobility within the LVMH Group.